Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad District. It is 2200 ft above sea level and provides a panoramic view of the hills and valleys of the Western Ghats. In 1969, Mr. Thomas Karipaparampil donated eight acres of land to start an ashram and a residential school.Fr. James Pallivathukal, the then provincial, purchased 22 acres more and His Eminence Valerian Cardinal Gracius, the then Archbishop of Bombay, laid the foundation stone for the ashram in 1969. Fr. John Vianny was the first superior of the ashram.In 1984, Br. Chacko Urumbil, the then superior, started a tailoring center to help women from poor families. In 1990, it was made a residential retreat center, and Fr. Philip Attukadavil, the first director, named it the Anubhava Retreat Center. In 1993, Fr.Thomas Thundathil, the then superior renamed it the Chaithanya Retreat Center and started retreats along innovative lines. In 1999,Fr. Job Myladiyil, the then councillor for pastoral ministry, renovated the centre. The ashram also accommodates the first year aspirants.Another innovative way of devotion was introduced here by Fr. Thomas Thundathil when he was superior. This is the Way of the Cross on Good Friday covering 15 km throughout the ghats.This devotional event has been regularly conducted for the last 15 years.

Apostolates

1. Mount Sinai Parish, Ph. 04936 -255396

2. Assumption Aspirants House

Inmates

Fr Shinto Arayanickal :	Superior, Rector & Vicar
Fr Mathew Vadakkan :	Member
Fr Thomas Vattakkatt :	Member
Fr Shinto Vazhappally :	Member